How to Safely Escape a Sinking Car: Tips and Techniques

Escaping a sinking car can be a life-threatening situation, especially if the vehicle is sideways or upside down. Whether you are dealing with a car that is on its side, upside down, or fully submerged, knowing the right steps to take can significantly increase your chances of survival. This article provides comprehensive guidance on how to escape a sinking car effectively.

General Steps for Escaping a Sinking Car

The primary goal is to stay calm and take decisive action. Panic can cloud your judgment, so take a deep breath and focus on your escape strategy.

Stay Calm

Remaining calm is crucial. It helps you think clearly and make quick decisions. Panic can hinder your ability to react effectively.

Unbuckle Your Seatbelt

Once you realize the car is sinking, quickly unbuckle your seatbelt. This may be more challenging if the car is upside down or sideways, but it is crucial to do it as quickly as possible. If the electrical system is failing, you may need to use a window-breaking tool or a heavy object to smash the glass.

Open the Window

If the car is still above water, roll down your window immediately. If the electrical system is failing, you may need to use a window-breaking tool or a heavy object to smash the glass. For vehicles that are on their side or upside down, the window will be closer to the ground. A window-breaking tool or seatbelt cutter can be invaluable in such situations.

Escape Through the Window

For an Upright Car: Swim out through the window.

For an Upside Down Car: Push against the roof to create space and swim out toward where the surface was before the car submerged. Water pressure can make it difficult to open doors, so escaping through the window is often easier.

For a Sideways Car: Unbuckle your seatbelt and try to exit through the window on the upper side. If that is not possible, you may need to push against the roof to create space and then swim to the surface.

If the Car is Submerged

Wait for Pressure Equalization: If the car is fully submerged, wait until the water pressure inside the car equals the pressure outside. This usually happens within a few moments, allowing you to open the door.

Open the Door: Once the pressure equalizes, open the door and swim out.

Swim to Safety

After exiting the vehicle, swim to the surface and then to safety. If the car is in a body of water, swim away from the vehicle to avoid being pulled back down by currents or debris.

Tips for Specific Situations

Sideways Car: If the car is on its side, unbuckle your seatbelt and try to exit through the window on the upper side. If that is not possible, push against the roof to create space and then swim to the surface.

Upside Down Car: If the car is upside down, the window will be closer to the ground. As you prepare to exit, remember that you may need to push off the ceiling now the floor to create an opening for your escape.

Additional Considerations

Keep an Emergency Tool: Consider keeping a window-breaking tool or a seatbelt cutter in your vehicle. These tools can be lifesavers in case of an emergency.

Practice Awareness: Familiarize yourself with the layout of your car and practice unbuckling your seatbelt quickly. This practice can save precious time in an emergency.

Avoid Opening Doors: When the car is submerged, avoid opening the doors until the pressure equalizes. Opening the doors too early can let water rush in and make escape difficult.

Conclusion

In summary, the key steps involve unbuckling your seatbelt, attempting to open the window, and swimming out as soon as possible. Being aware of your surroundings and staying calm will significantly increase your chances of escaping safely and surviving a sinking car situation.